Man allegedly behind $3m hotel flood found holding a mop, court told

By Karen Sweeney

May 7, 2019 — 2.53pm

As firefighters rushed to stop 400,000 litres of water pouring from fire hydrants inside a Melbourne hotel they came across Bradley Vogt, mop in hand, trying to clean up the mess he's accused of creating.

There wasn't much the Traralgon man could have done as water gushed from hydrants on 18 floors of the Experience Bella Hotel in May 2018, so firefighters evacuated him along with more than 300 guests.

The aftermath of the flood at the Experience Bella hotel.Credit:Joe Armao

But minutes later more firefighters came across the 28-year-old lying on the stairs two levels down, the mop still in his hand and water flowing over his body.

Vogt faced a committal hearing in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday, charged with seven offences including intentionally causing damage up to $2 million, resisting emergency workers, interfering with a hydrant and trafficking ice.

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Almost a year later the damage bill is still rising, and with lost earnings it's estimated the cost could reach $3 million.

Vogt checked into the hotel four days before the flood on May 27. He consumed a substantial combination of ice, cannabis and GHB before heading to the fire escape about 9.20pm, prosecutor Craig McConaghy told the court on Tuesday.

Vogt allegedly opened all the fire hydrants between levels one and 18, releasing 432,000 litres of water.

Within 10 minutes of water beginning to pool around the ground floor fire escape door, the water level rose to more than 1.7 metres in a nearby stairwell and the fire door began to bow.

Firefighter Tim Erikson said he had serious safety concerns because of the sheer volume of water pressing behind it. The door subsequently snapped and water flooded the lobby.

Mr Erikson and other firefighters found the hydrants "wedged" open, some needing tools to be closed.

Mr McConaghy said they found Vogt on level 10 with a mop in his hand, attempting to soak up the ankle-deep water.

He admitted turning on the hydrants, he said. Mr Erikson said Vogt told him he "had to do it" because "they're out of jail and they're after me".

Vogt was sent outside, but firefighters heading upstairs then found the level-four hydrant open again and at level eight, Vogt was lying on the stairs, mop still in hand, and water washing over him.

He was taken to the manager's office but when police tried to talk to him, Vogt allegedly lashed out violently at four officers. More police arrived to help as Vogt was sedated, and he continued to lash out until he was strapped to a stretcher.

A bag containing 1.4 grams of methamphetamine and an ice pipe were found after Vogt left the manager's office, and another 7.2 grams was later found in his underwear, it's alleged.

The hearing is set to continue on Wednesday, before magistrate Peter Reardon decides whether Vogt will stand trial.